Click here for the Massachusetts Medical Society's health care proxy page

Information about the Massachusetts Health Care Proxy, including a downloadable form, can be obtained from the Massachusetts Medical Society.

A printed form can be obtained from the Admitting Offices at any Southcoast hospital or from Massachusetts Health Decisions, PO Box 417, Sharon, MA 02067, Phone: 781-784-1966.

"Five Wishes"

Alternatively or in addition to the Health Care Proxy, you can prepare the "Five Wishes" living will.

Valid in Massachusetts, the "Five Wishes" living will allows you to specify how you wish to be treated if you get seriously ill.

For example, under what circumstances do you want to continue life-support treatment and under what circumstances do you want to stop treatment?ÊWhat are your wishes for pain management?

A copy of "Five Wishes" is available at www.agingwithdignity.org/5wishes.html.

When a person's wishes are unknown, the results are often tragic for the patient as well as their family. Help avoid these situations and improve the ability of doctors and hospitals to provide compassionate care by making your wishes known to your loved ones and documenting them.Ê